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June 26, 2008

Heart Full Of A Singer: Shibani Kashyap

Shibani KashyapShibani talks to us about her childhood, life, love and marriage.

Shibani Kashyap Shibani Kashyap lets her music speak for her most of the times. She has become a favorite with music directors for her distinctive voice and her popularity with the crowd. She has been releasing some great numbers of late and promises more.

Up on the cards is the soundtrack of Woodstock Villa where she has rendered some great numbers, and she is also recording music for Osama and The Great Butterfly. She also recently recorded with Pakistani music director Farukkh Abid for a play.

We get personal with the singer. Shibani talks to us about her childhood, life, love and marriage.

How would you describe Shibani Kashyap as a person?
I think she would be bubbly, vivacious, positive and very optimistic. I am basically a joyful person. I am also someone who can't stand deceit.

Shibani Kashyap As a friend?
I am a die-hard loyalist.

One childhood memory that is special to you?
It would be when I won the All India Vocal Music Competition. Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh were the two judges. I was hardly nine years old then, and it was really huge for me. It was then that I decided that I want to go in for singing.

If you could change one thing about yourself?
I wish I could take out some more time for myself and I really wish I could learn to relax.

Two ways in which life has changed over the past 10 years?
I have become far more independent than what I was. Secondly, I used to get depressed very easily. I was really very sensitive. I think I have learnt to keep that in check.

What is your idea of an ideal man?
He should be a real good friend and there should be a good understanding between both of us. We should be comfortable in each other's company; moreover we should be able to enjoy it.

And your idea of a perfect date?
Any place where we both enjoy what we do - he should enjoy what I do and I should enjoy whatever he does. So be it a night out at some club or a cricket match, we should be just out there, enjoying.

What is your relationship like with your family?
Very, very, very good. We all are like friends. Whenever we have a family reunion, it's a wonderful experience. Just fills me with lots of energy.

What is love and marriage? Do they go hand in hand?
Love is a pre-requisite for marriage. A marriage without love cannot work.

Is marriage the in-thing? Or do you feel live-in relationships have taken over?
It is completely an individual's take. The idea is to be together, enjoy, and most importantly have faith in each other. So if you decide you live in and spend your lives together, then why not tie the knot?

Shibani Kashyap What would you prefer - arranged marriage or love marriage?
Either. I am fine with both. Arranged marriage is a good idea where your friends or your parents help you find your ideal mate and then eventually you both fall in love.

How was your experience on the show Bathroom Singer?
Ohh, it was complete fun. Total, total fun.

What do you like better - singing or composing?
For me they are two sides of same coin. Whether I sing songs composed by me or by someone else, I like them both equally. Composing is basically creating something, so it is much more challenging as a process. Whereas, singing is a part of that process. I enjoy both of them equally.

What would you like to do in future? More of movies, albums or stage shows?
All of them. I think all of them are just great, then why restrict your self to just movies.

Tell us about your future projects?
I have sung two songs in the movie Woodstock Villa. Then I have Osama and The Great Butterfly coming up. I am also excited about my album, which will come out in September.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 26, 2008 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

Marriage Mein Gandhigiri

Marriage Mein GandhigiriIf Gandhiji was a marriage counsellor, how would his principles of "Truth", apply to marriage?

Marriage Mein Gandhigiri Munnabhai taught us that Gandhism can be used in contemporary living, what about in a modern day marriage?

Indian history textbooks have more than one chapter dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. His role was present through so many pages, almost like the binder of the book. Admittedly, just like Munnabhai, many do associate ''Gandhi Jayanti '' as a dry day(sigh) or a national holiday(yippee). At the same time though, the name Gandhi reminds Indians of his principles; one of them being ''Satya'' or ''Truth''.

Truth Above All.

So, what if Gandhiji  was a marriage counsellor and used the same principles to preach a happy married life? What then would, "Truth above all' mean?

Small White Lies

Truth is the most difficult value to imbibe and practice for most human beings. How often do we use a simple "white lie" to suit us? Akash, a retail manager and husband says, "If a small lie will make my wife happy, I don't see anything wrong." Akash reflects a large percentage of people in a relationship. How often does a man tell his wife that she does not look fat, when he might think otherwise? Women probably outdo that number when they tell their husbands marked down prices of personal items they just shopped for (fifty percent rule works best for me!).

"The truth brings up too many questions and sometimes I don't lie, but I just don't mention things. That is not equivalent to lying," says Simran, who has been in a relationship for two years now. So there are those of us who do lie to avoid getting into awkward situations with our partners. "A small lie is a tool to smoothen our crazy lives. It makes life easy!" exclaims Malini, who often lies to her husband about hanging around with her old circle of friends whom he disapproves of.

The Big Fat Lies

Are we dishing the truth to our partners about the significant things that make a marriage? Intimacy in a marriage can only be achieved if we are truthful about the serious issues of our lives. "A marriage that has deceit and dishonesty woven into it, especially about the big stuff, is nothing but a farce," says Dr.S Sharma, a marriage counsellor.

She gives the example of a couple who were going through difficult financial times. The husband lost his job and didn't tell his wife the truth, trying to protect her from the stress. He continued leaving at the same time, pretending to go to work; while scouting for a new job. Eventually the lady found out and was furious, not sympathetic as she might have been had he told her earlier. Human beings expect honesty from their spouses; yet rarely seem to give it in return.

Half truth?

All of us get into a marriage, promising complete honesty and integrity, but more than half of us break that vow. Is there a half truth relationship mechanism? Some psychologists claim, "Being hundred percent truthful is black and white might not always work in a marriage."

Not according to Gandhiji. He was clear that it should be the path of truth or none at all. I read somewhere, "Being honest is like being alive. You either are, or you are not".

Sweet truth?

Sometimes the truth can be very difficult to digest and calls for diplomacy and timing on our part. The manner in which the truth is presented can certainly affect the manner in which it is taken in by our partners. We can be honest and still be considerate and respectful to the other person. This might not always be possible, especially if the truth is about infidelity. That requires courage (and a long prayer).

The verdict?

My take on the truth in a marriage is the vivid memory of a routine I saw while growing up. My father was a man known for his brutal honesty and dislike for hypocrisy. Every morning, head buried in a newspaper, he told my mother that she looked so beautiful; she could put the angels in heaven to shame.

We all knew, as I'm sure she did, that he didn't even know what she was wearing then; but she'd still ask. Their marriage is stronger every day, probably because with us kids grown up and gone, they have less to argue about... or for her part, lie about!

Gandhiji's verdict?

Truth above all.

I'm not sure he'd be a sympathetic counsellor at all. He would definitely get along with my dad though!



Aarti Thadani Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 26, 2008 in In Focus | Permalink

Xess - Naughty Nightwear Every Bride Deserves

Xess - Naughty Nightwear Every Bride DeservesLuxury fashion brand XESS has introduced its Argentovivo collection of intimates and apparel.

Luxury fashion brand XESS has introduced its Argentovivo collection of intimates and apparel. So it is not only intimate wear this time round but sensual clothing as well. Argentovivo's newest collection is perfect for special occasions like Valentines Day, anniversaries or a special date.

It includes delicate diamante borders on various black and red hues. The range comprises of lace t-shirts, flattering corsets and dresses!

The collections will be available this February onwards at the uber-luxe XESS boutique located at Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai. XESS will also have in store three new brands - Walter, Poleci and Signette.

XESS is a part of the Marigold group and was conceptualized by fashion entrepreneur Sangeeta Assomull to create a woman with mystery. A woman who is supremely confident and with the awareness that her wardrobe should be made up of statement pieces that reflect her personality.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 26, 2008 in Fashion | Permalink

8 Celebrity Wedding Cakes

8 Celebrity Wedding Cakes"The wedding cake symbolizes wishes for fertility. Find out what it means to our celebs."

Billy Joel's Wedding Cakes The wedding cake symbolizes wishes for fertility and sweet beginnings for the bride and groom, but when it comes to our celebs, there's just no stopping them from going overboard with the gum-drops, sugar-plumz, designer treatment to their D-Day choices in these!

Celebrity Wedding Cake Designs We Love!

Guests at pop idol Billy Joel's reception were suitably impressed by the profusion of multi-colored sugar flowers that were, at intervals, decorated with artificial lemons, pears and green apples that cascaded down the side of a deliciously devilish 4-tier chocolate wedding cake!

Star Jones Reynolds And Al Reynolds Perfect Endings created Star Jones Reynolds's wedding cake: a sweet treat 10-feet high, bedecked with a spray of baby pink, sky blue and white flowers that tempted banquet guests at the Waldorf-Astoria. Psst! Those craving a quick chocolate fix right now can pick up "Sweet Celebrations" - the book by confectionary diva, Sylvia Weinstock, the creator of this wonderfully sinful extravagance!

Closer to home, although Indian weddings don't traditionally have a cake, brides may want to go with one of these two. Henna or mehendi  designs have been 'painted' onto the wedding cake to match the design on the bride's hands!

In the second option, an Indian couple is used as the cake toppers. Ultra cute if you please!

More celebrity wedding cakes we loved.


Deepanjolie Sonya Figg Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 26, 2008 in Celebration | Permalink

Is Late Marriage Bothering You?

Is Late Marriage Bothering You?Late Marriage is considered to be inauspicious, a sign that indicates something is wrong.

Satish Sharma Satish Sharma
Globally renowned Astrologer and Vaastu Consultant. 
Have a question? Click here...

Late Marriage

Question Ash asks,
My sister was born on 22nd April 1979 in Mauritius, Rose Hill. Our front door opens on the South and she sleeps with her head in a Southeast and her feet in the Northwest direction. Her name is Shivanee Ramnauth. When will she get married?
Answer Dear Ash,
Her Moon ascendant is Aquarius and chances of marriage increase in the last quarter of 2008, failing which marriage chances will occur again in first half of 2009. She should change the sleeping posture. She should occupy the Northwest direction of the house with head in South and legs in North.

Marriage With Your Beloved

Question Madhu asks,
My name is Madhu and my date of birth is 28th January 1987. I was born in Balasore, (Orissa) 4.40 am. I am in love with a boy named Mehul and his date of birth is 28th March 1980 at 12.15 am in Junagadh, (Gujarat). When will I marry him? Please tell me the exact date of our marriage. And also please tell me the horoscope compatibility.

Answer Dear Madhu,
Your matching is fine with 25 points but you have a Mangaldosh while Mehul does not have this. Still, some texts suggest that Mars in conjunction with Rahu is exempted from Mangaldosh. In case, you want to marry you can go ahead, there may be occasional difference of opinion in your married life. Suggestion is that you should not marry up to April 2009.

Managing You Business

Question Diana Pervez asks,
My birth date is 30th September 1986 at 4.44 am. My house door faces South. I sleep with my head in South. My home work in handicraft and tailoring class is pending. Can I know which direction of the house is favourable and where do I put the raw material of handicraft class and which direction in the house is advantageous to complete the pending projects?
Answer Dear Diana Pervez,
For business purposes South facing houses are supposed to be fairly good. As far as your sitting posture is concerned, you should sit in South or Southwest while your artisan and teaching classes must be from West to Northwest.

When Will I Marry?

Question Sandhya Aggarwal asks,
My date of birth is 9th January 1975, at 6.00 am. I was born at Mumbai. I sleep with my head in West direction and legs in East. Can I wear yellow sapphire and ruby? When will I get married and have a good career?
Answer Dear Sandhya Aggarwal,
Yes, you can wear both the stones but change your sleeping posture. You should sleep with your head in South and legs in North. It may be done without changing the bed locations. Your marriage is expected in late 2009 or first half of 2010 but a period from 16th July to 19th December 2008 is also auspicious, if you wear an Emerald of 5 carats in your little finger for next six months.

Satish Sharma will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 26, 2008 in Expert Advice | Permalink

June 12, 2008

Mere Baap Pehle Aap

Mere Baap Pehle Aap"Shaaditimes finds out more about the father-son relationship with the lead stars and director."

Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna With a name like that, Priyadarshan for a director and Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna playing the lead - the movie was bound to attract its fair share of attention. However, is MBPA going to make it at the box office?

Shaaditimes finds out in tete a tete with the lead stars and the director of Mere Baap Pehle Aap.

Talking to Akshaye Khanna... The Beta.

What made you decide to do this film?
Primarily the subject - it's a very feel good film. You would leave the theatre feeling very positive about life and you know your relations with your family. The subject is very unique within the confines of what is categorized as commercial Hindi cinema and yet something very refreshing - a combination of a lot of things really and Priyan is also a director who I really enjoy working with. We have a great relationship as actor-director and I really enjoy coming to his set.

How do you feel about working with Paresh?
Paresh, I have done a lot of films with in the past. But in this film I have the maximum interaction with him because we are playing father and son. I have known him for a long time and he is a lovely guy - fun, interesting, great actor of course (everybody knows that!) and we get along really well.

What's new about this father-son relationship story?
Well, it is a father-son relationship, but it's almost like put on its head. The son is more like the father in the relationship and the father is the son because he is petrified of his son. His son is always correcting him, scolding him - in a good way. I like that reversal of roles so to speak. Very interesting and it was great fun to play.

Would you call this film a comedy? Or a drama? How would you describe the movie?
It's definitely more fun, but towards the end and in pockets it is very touching. I wouldn't say emotional but it's very touching! There is nothing heavy about it.

Talking to Paresh Rawal... The Baap.

What is this film about?
It's a relationship of a father and a son - and the son wants his father to get married because he himself is in love with someone. The situation gets very tricky and ultimately whether he gets married or not is a big suspense.

How did you get approached for this film?
There is a kind of rapport, a trust & faith Priyadarshan and me have in each other. He need not tell me, he just gives me a brief outline and says, "Paresh we are doing this film and your role is like this, like this..." That's it, I need not ask for more.

Why did you decide to do this film?
First of all it's a Priyadarshan film. No 2. I'm getting to work with Akshaye Khanna after a long time. Hulchul was our last film together and in between I had seen Gandhi - My Father. I really admire him as an actor and also it's a very unusual story - it's a family entertainer.

What kind of a film is Mere Baap Pehle Aap?
It's a very, very feel good film, family entertainer, achi si breezy film hai, ache emotions, ek thairav hai. Beautiful.

What do you think about Akshaye's comic timing?
Comic timing koi alag ingredient nahin hota hai, but ek overall actor hota hai and he is a very, very sensitive overall actor. Very sensitive and fine-tuned. So uska comic timing hona hee hai because he is a good actor.

What kind of a director is Priyadarshan?
First of all he is extremely sure of what he wants from his actors, he doesn't overshoot. His direction is also very minimal, very brief and very accurate. I think we have done 12 films together so he knows what I'm all about and how exactly he can get the work out of me. And if I'm lazy, taking things for granted then he cracks the whip also.

Talking to Priyadarshan... The Mai-Baap.. err.. Director.

What kind of a film is Mere Baap Pehle Aap?
Basically I call it a family entertainer. Like all my films there is good humour in the film and the plot is very unique. The son is trying to get his father married and the situation around it.

There are films like Hera Pheri and Garam Masala, which are more on slapstick humour. Here I am trying to say a sweet story with humour, so it's something like one of my first films in Hindi called Muskurahat.

Priyadarshan Why did you decide to cast Akshaye?
I have worked in 3 films with Akshay of which two - Hungama and Hulchal have been extremely successful. My comfort level with him is pretty good, because I can any day tell him anything - and everybody knows that he is one of the finest actors in the country. But apart from it there is sweetness in him, his smile and the kind of body language he has suits him and that's why I chose Akshaye for this.

And Paresh?
Talking about Paresh I should not say anything because in every film I have shown what is the best I could do with him, and what is the best he could do with me - I don't think we both have done anything better with any others.

So what is it about this film that makes you feel that it will click with audiences?
My biggest confidence on this film is that in most of the films, which have been successful, there have been certain formulas that always work.

One formula that seldom fails is the story of a farther-son relationship, because it is identified by people. Every farther and son have their conflicts and love. The father is always an enemy of the son, but an enemy that you love a lot. So this generation gap has always happened in my realization, because I used to think that when I become a father I will not be like my father - so now I'm not like my father --- but my son is also thinking the same thing. So this kind of a subject cannot fail!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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June 12, 2008 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

Handling Elderly In-Laws When Sick

Handling Elderly In-Laws When SickWhat happens when you start ageing, but feel that it is your responsibility to take care of your ageing in-laws?

Handling Elderly In-Laws When Sick Abandon or Coddle? Ashita is one of those few women who claimed to have an absolute trouble free relationship with her in laws.

She married Harsh, the only son of his parents. Some people believe that in such small families, mothers tend to get very possessive and that leads to friction with the daughter-in-law. But in Ashita's case, this apprehension was found false.

Her ma-in-law was a sweet tempered, loving lady who accepted Ashita as the daughter she never had. In fact, after marriage, she openly declared that now she could relax, since Ashita was there to take care of home and her family.

And Ashita did.

She worked hard to maintain peace and harmony in the family for twenty-eight long years. Meanwhile her own daughter got married and moved away to another city. Her son finished his studies and started working. Ashita continued growing older with her husband.

There was just one problem, if you can call it that.

Ashita's ma-in-law had weak health and she couldn't handle her illnesses easily. To use the family doctor's words she was a 'bad patient'. This normally cheerful lady changed when she fell sick. She would continuously complain, get angry with everything and everyone, and would expect the whole family to wait on her.

Since everybody else was busy in his and her work, this responsibility came to Ashita. "Ashita is the only one who cares" her ma-in-law would tell everybody who listened. Sometimes Ashita got a little irritated when the old lady became too demanding, but she hardly complained. "After all, who else is there to take care of her?" she thought and tended to her with the best of her capabilities.

But as the years passed, the situation worsened. The old lady's health became more fragile and led to hypochondria. Her complaints became louder. She thought everybody was ignoring her except Ashita. Her dependence on Ashita increased.

Life was going on and Ashita too was resigned to the fact that every household has some problems. At least she was lucky that in her happy life, there was just one. She would tackle it. She also told herself that old people are like children. They just need that extra bit of care and affection.

But as it turned out, life was not as easy as Ashita had thought it to be.

When she was around fifty, her father-in-law met with an accident which left him so badly injured that the doctor advised him to stay home as much as possible. The old man accepted the inevitable. Of course he didn't complain about his pains or bad luck but Ashita considered it her responsibility to make his life easy.

Harsh's father was diabetic but loved sweets. When he was busy with his office work, it was easy to curb the temptations but at home, he became vulnerable. Ashita had to constantly watch his food habits, see that he didn't skip his medicines and mild exercises that the doctor had prescribed.

Of course this led to another problem. Her ma-in-law thought that now she was being ignored. She felt even Ashita was not paying enough attention to her.

This made her resort to all kinds of attention seeking gimmicks. Every time Ashita went out for more than a few hours, her ma-in-law managed to spill things in the kitchen or take to bed complaining of severe aches and pains.

Now this has been going on for more than five years. Last year, Ashita's son got married and chose to go and stay in the company flat. Ashita accepted the young couple's decision gracefully. They have their own life. Of course her life is interwoven with her in-laws. They need her more and more.

Sometimes in the middle of the night the old lady starts moaning loudly. Ashita cannot help but go see to her needs. At such times, Harsh grumbles that Ashita is spoiling her. He thinks his mother would learn to behave, if Ashita stops listening to her unreasonable demands. But Ashita can't develop such a detached attitude. After all these years she too is unable to change herself.

But sometimes Ashita does feel tired. After all she herself too is not a spring chicken anymore. She is in her fifties and her energy level is not as high as before. Sometimes when her ma-in-law complains about her age and health to outsiders, Ashita feels like screaming, "Look at me! I too am aging."

Of course she doesn't because she has not done it in all these years. How can she do it now?

  • Will Ashita be able to bear under the pressure, as she grows older?
  • Is it fair of Ashita & Harsh's son to stay separately?
  • Are the in-laws too demanding or is Ashita too giving?
  • If Ashita is happy doing what she is doing, where's the problem? Or will there be one in the near future?
  • Is Ashita happy?



    • Varsha Pathak Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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    June 12, 2008 in In Focus | Permalink

    Bikini Fashion From Boudoir London

    Bikini Fashion From Boudoir LondonBoudoir London unveiled its 2008 swimwear collection...

    Boudoir London unveiled its 2008 swimwear collection embodying the new generation women in an event hosted to raise funds for Tata Memorial Hospital and to create awareness about breast cancer. The event was held in association with Quan Spa, JW Marriott Hotel and took place at the poolside of the J W Marriott Hotel, Mumbai.

    ''Our new swimwear collection is unique, because whilst being truly sexy on the outside, it really works on making you look fabulous. It spans every shape from tankinis, cut away suits to simply sexy bikinis,'' said Dalbir Bains, lingerie and swimwear designer and founder of Boudoir London.

    The collection incorporated three major styles:

    • Tribal Beats - With varying animal patterns, earthy tones and antique sequins, this collection says it all.
    • Monochrome - Consisting of simple black and white colour and lending style by quick cuts, it is meant for the woman in command.
    • Bubblegum - With bold colours (mainly hot pink and turquoise), this collection is totally chic with Hawaiian prints and variety stripes, meant for the free-spirited girls in town.

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    June 12, 2008 in Fashion | Permalink

    Celebrity Engagement Rings - Our Top 13

    Celebrity Engagement Rings - Our Top 13Here's a little feature on how the stars have sparkled so far with their jewellery picks.

    Christina Aguilera We at Shaaditimes.com love everything to do with weddings and whatever leads up to them: (not the shot-gun kinds, if we can help it - though these make for money-spinning best-sellers, we've read ;-) especially those with the big bling factor! Er... make that the ring factor.

    ...And so, for those of you who are teetering on the edge of happy, waiting to pop the question or send out feelers (we're talking soul-talk here, buddy - where's your mind a-wandering?) so you know if you should splurge on that rock from TBZ (Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, budz - really!) just yet, here's a little feature on how the stars have sparkled so far with their picks.

    Presenting Celebrity Engagement Rings from around the world!!

    One of the most talked-about engagement rings on a celeb's hand belongs to pop-sensation Christina Aguilera (thankfully for her, her man knew exactly ''what a girl wants'' and presented her with a 5-carat diamond ring that sure made her sing - I'm not complaining. She flaunts a Stephen Webster creation, the jeweller preferred by yet another pop-diva, Madonna, who had wedding bands created by him for her Castle wedding with Guy Ritchie.

    Aishwarya Rai Another stunner of a sparkler came the way of the star-struck press closer home on Indian shores when former Miss World and reigning Bollywood beauty, Aishwarya Rai paid a visit to Breach Candy hospital where beau Abhishek Bachchan's grand-mother, Teji Bachchan, was recuperating. The shutter-bugs went over the top in a bid to capture an image of alluring Ash offering moral support to the Big B of Bollywood - and the Tina Ambani selected solitaire diamond engagement ring that cost 50 lakhs!!

    Victoria Beckham Now, we all know that Boodle & Dunthorne have been making 'posh' jewellery since 1798. But, the new-age 'Posh' (of Spice Girls's fame) couple - Victoria and David Beckham (the former captain of England's national soccer team and current mid-fielder for Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy) picked an exquisite 3-carat marquise-cut diamond, surrounded by a trillion on either side.

    Check out the other celebrity engagement rings that made it to our favourites list!


    Deepanjolie Sonya Figg Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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    June 12, 2008 in Celebration | Permalink

    Undergoing IVF Treatment

    Undergoing IVF TreatmentIVF is a treatment that allows the doctor to perform in the laboratory what is not happening in the bedroom.

    Dr. Aniruddha Malpani Dr. Aniruddha Malpani
    A practicing advocate of Mumbai High Court. He specialises in Civil, Criminal, International and Matrimonial Laws. He opines on Indian Laws and the Legal System. 
    Have a question? Click here...

    Undergoing IVF Treatment Most couples embark on IVF treatment with a lot of hope - mixed with anxiety as well!

    You know that IVF maximises your chances of having a baby, and gives you your best shot at getting pregnant. However, you also know that the technology is still not perfect; that final outcomes are always uncertain, and that this is a process, which may take time, and end up costing a lot of money as well. This is why it's important that you be well informed about your treatment, so that you have peace of mind that you did your best!

    What is IVF?
    IVF is the basic assisted reproduction technique, in which fertilization occurs in vitro (literally, in glass). The man's sperm and the woman's egg are combined in a laboratory dish, and after fertilization, the resulting embryo is then transferred to the woman's uterus. The five basic steps in an IVF treatment cycle are superovulation (stimulating the development of more than one egg in a cycle), egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.

    Who is IVF most useful for?
    IVF is a treatment option for couples with various types of infertility, since it allows the doctor to perform in the laboratory what is not happening in the bedroom - we no longer have to leave everything up to chance!

    Initially, IVF was only used when the woman had blocked, damaged, or absent fallopian tubes (tubal factor infertility). Today, IVF is used to circumvent infertility caused by practically any problem, including endometriosis, immunological problems, unexplained infertility, and male factor infertility. It is a final common pathway, since it allows the doctor to bypass nature’s hurdles, and overcome its inefficiency, so that we can give Nature a helping hand!

    What tests need to be done prior to doing IVF treatment?
    In order to perform IVF, only 3 things are required - eggs, sperms and a uterus, and before starting the IVF cycle, the doctor will check these.

    First, a sperm survival test is carried out. This is a "trial" sperm wash; using exactly the same method as will be actually used in IVF, to assess whether an adequate numbers of sperms can be recovered in order to do IVF. This test will also help the laboratory to decide which method of sperm processing should be used during IVF.

    A blood FSH level will provide an idea of the "ovarian reserve", and provide information on whether or not the woman will produce enough eggs after superovulation. For older women, some clinics do a clomiphene citrate challenge test. If the level is very high, this suggests early ovarian failure, and it may be a better idea to consider donor eggs.
    Many clinics may do a hysteroscopy, in order to assess that the uterine cavity is totally normal. They may also do a "dummy" embryo transfer to make sure there are no technical problems with this procedure. Some clinics also do a cervical swab test, to rule out the presence of infection in the cervix.

    If a woman has blocked fallopian tubes with large hydrosalpinges, some clinics will remove these prior to the IVF cycle, because they feel that the presence of a hydrosalpinx decreases pregnancy rates after IVF.

    For men who have difficulty in producing a semen sample "on demand", the clinic may also freeze and store the sample prior to treatment, as a backup. This can help to prevent the tragedy of having to abort an entire treatment cycle because the man could not produce a semen sample when needed.

    Blood tests which may be done include tests for immunity to rubella; and tests for Hepatitis B, and AIDS. Most doctors will also advise patients to start taking folic acid, as part of pre-pregnancy care, as this helps to reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

    Patients who stand a very poor chance of success with IVF include the following:
    Older women, whose ovaries are failing. However, there is no upper age limit at which IVF should not be done - and in fact, for older women, it might represent their only chance of success. It's not really the age of the woman, which is the limiting factor - it's the quality of her eggs.

    Men whose sperm count is very low. Most clinics will consider doing IVF only for men with at least 3 million motile sperm in the ejaculate. If the sperm counts are lower than this, then ICSI (or microinjection) is a better option.

    Women with a damaged uterus (for example, because of healed tuberculosis) because the chance of successful implantation of the embryo in the uterus becomes very poor.
    It is also not advisable to go in for IVF treatment without trying simpler treatment options first. IVF is a complex procedure involving considerable personal and financial commitment, so other treatments are usually recommended first.

    What are the 5 basic steps of an IVF treatment cycle?
    These are:

    1. Superovulation.
    2. Egg retrieval.
    3. Fertilisation.
    4. Embryo culture.
    5. Embryo transfer.

    To know more ask our expert.

    Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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    June 12, 2008 in Expert Advice | Permalink

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